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  • All You Need Is ...

    We all go through the roller coaster of ups and downs during our musical learning journey, especially when we start later in life. We use different techniques to get us up and running again, but there is something special about encouragement and inspiration deciding to knock on your door unexpectedly.

    It’s been a long time since I visited TR, but I think this quick story is worth sharing here. I recently received a ‘Jazz Guitar Unleashed’ package I had ordered. I do admit the guitar is my primary instrument and the bass plays a supplementary role, but I hope you won’t hold it against me. The same day I had two special guests at my place; a recently married couple of musicians from New York visiting Toronto. It was a big surprise for me.

    Here’s the special part though. Twenty-eight years ago, an eight year old boy came with his father from Hamburg, Germany to spend the summer vacation cycling around Toronto area. The father would see a potential bike racer in him, but here’s the deal.

    He told me that during that three week vacation I had given him access to my tapes. He could listen freely to everything I had, especially, the Beatles discography. He later ditched the bike and picked up the guitar. He went on to become a musician. Today he runs his own label, has a band, plays bass, has put out a couple of albums, and recently got married to a great singer and fiddler of Irish background. Now I’m looking forward to meeting the whole band. This story has really touched my heart.



    We shared some great musical moments, and I got exposed to traditional Irish repertoire. He insisted on listening to my recordings and actually liked them. So did his wife. I could tell they were more than just being courteous. I’m always self-conscious and very critical about my technical skills, but important as they are, so is making music no matter what level you are at.

    This grown-up man normally doesn’t play a 5-stringer, but he quickly adjusted to my Carvin B25. I was surprised to hear that he was thinking of building his own 2-stringer, but we only discussed it very briefly. The picture shows these two great working musicians Tom & Liz at my place, while on a short vacation in Canada.

    And if you feel like checking their official video, here it is also. Don’t let the first 50 seconds scare you away. Tom is on bass, Liz on the keyboard, and both do vocals. By the way, do me a favour, will you? Like ‘em on Facebook, if you do like ‘em.

    https://www.facebook.com/frogbellyandsymphony

    Comments 11 Comments
    1. Elmeaux's Avatar
      Elmeaux -
      I like that sort of music. Interesting and moody. Not too keen on the weird laughing at the beginning, but it's their thing, so...

      The laughing doesn't take away from the song once it starts.

      Very nice. Thanks for the contribution, Basslad!
    1. Basslad's Avatar
      Basslad -
      Thanks Elmeaux. Initially, I had the same sort of feeling about the laughter, but it doesn’t appear on the actual album called the EYE.
    1. kimgee's Avatar
      kimgee -
      I actually thought the creepy laughter and magician thing added a nice atmosphere to the song. Just goes to show everyone's taste is unique. I felt the monochrome visuals worked as well. Thanks for the link Basslad!
    1. Basslad's Avatar
      Basslad -
      You’re welcome, Kimgee. Yes, in the context of the video itself, the laughter, magician thing, and monochrome visual effect certainly have their place. It took me a few auditions to fully appreciate the whole thing, but that’s what I usually do. In the past, I would just listen to something as a whole. I liked it or disliked it. These days, I listen several times focusing on different parts. It actually started when I picked up the bass.
    1. Elmeaux's Avatar
      Elmeaux -
      Quote Originally Posted by Basslad View Post
      Thanks Elmeaux. Initially, I had the same sort of feeling about the laughter, but it doesn’t appear on the actual album called the EYE.
      Smart move. It's a nice video thing, but on an album, I'd want the music only.
    1. Basslad's Avatar
      Basslad -
      I’ve just found out that my friends go on tour in September. I thought I would share this information in the spirit of spreading the music around. I hope I’m not breaking any rules here. I’m not their promoter and I don’t get paid for it. If you think you might want to see them, here’s their schedule:

      https://www.facebook.com/frogbellyan...p_308540029359
    1. Elmeaux's Avatar
      Elmeaux -
      It says the page cannot be found. Bad link?
    1. Basslad's Avatar
      Basslad -
      Quote Originally Posted by Elmeaux View Post
      It says the page cannot be found. Bad link?
      The links work for me. Perhaps there was a temporary glitch.
    1. line6bassman's Avatar
      line6bassman -
      Doesn't work for me either.
    1. Basslad's Avatar
      Basslad -
      Quote Originally Posted by line6bassman View Post
      Doesn't work for me either.
      The links work for me in Safari & IE, so I'm not sure what or how to fix it.
    1. Elmeaux's Avatar
      Elmeaux -
      Well, this is their Facebook page, so I guess it's a good place to start for info on their upcoming activities.

      https://www.facebook.com/frogbellyan...ref=ts&fref=ts

      Hope this helps!
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